Riyan Parag Wins Early Trust as Rajasthan Royals Captain, Says Ambati Rayudu

Rajasthan Royals’ captain Riyan Parag (PTI Photo)

Rajasthan Royals secured a six-run victory over Gujarat Titans in a closely fought match at the Narendra Modi Stadium on April 4. The side posted 210 for six before restricting Gujarat to 204 for eight, holding their nerve to claim a hard-fought win.

Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Rayudu shared his observations on how Parag has adapted to the demands of captaincy and how his teammates have responded to his leadership style.

“He is doing a fantastic job and I am sure the coaching staff are giving him all the freedom. I can easily see the RR group having great respect for him. That is great to watch. When you have a young captain, the biggest challenge is to command that respect. I can see a lot of respect for him in the squad. They look to be enjoying themselves, which is a great sign,” Rayudu said.

Parag was appointed as Rajasthan Royals captain ahead of the IPL 2026 season following Sanju Samson’s move to Chennai Super Kings. The 24-year-old had previously gained some captaincy experience last season when he stepped in as stand-in skipper during Samson’s absence through injury.

Former Australia captain Aaron Finch also offered his perspective, pointing to a factor that has made Parag’s transition into the role somewhat smoother than it might have been otherwise. Finch noted that the absence of a senior player who may have felt overlooked for the captaincy has helped Parag settle in without any friction within the group.

“What is also important in that regard when you have got a young captain — there is not an overshadowing figure who has missed that opportunity to lead the side. Often there can be a resentment there towards the person who has got the job. He has got a team of young superstars. He can almost guide them through the next phase of their career and forge a generation of seriously good players for RR,” Finch said.
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Rajasthan have made an encouraging start to the season under Parag’s leadership, winning both their matches so far. While his personal contributions with the bat have been limited — scoring 14 not out off 11 balls against Chennai Super Kings and eight runs against Gujarat Titans — he has chipped in with the ball as well, taking the wicket of Kumar Kushagra in the latter contest.

With two wins from two games and positive sentiment building around his leadership approach, Parag’s captaincy has started on a steady and promising note, both in terms of results on the field and the atmosphere within the dressing room.